Chocolate fountain

[septbride]

Has anyone used a chocolate fountain, or plan on using one at their reception. I just love the idea , but I'm not sure if it's a waste of money or not. :heee:

[Katnye]

We had a chocolate fountain--I loved it, as did our guests! :hehe: Whether or not its a waste of money is a tough question--it depends on how much it is. Ours was free with our reception hall (which was a GREAT price!), but I don't know that I would have paid a lot of money for it.

[septbride]

when did you have yours out? I have a place in mind, that sets it up, cleans up, tears down and has an attendant there at all times. It runs for three hours with unlimited chocolate. and a large assortment of dipping items for your number of people. It is around $400.

[JerAndKathy]

For our number of people, it's $3.95 each, and like SeptBride, will have an attendant at all times. Problem is that it upwards of $700. So we're pinching pennies...And nickels, dimes, quarters, and anything else...To find the cash for it. :D We wants chocolate!!!!!!!!! :D

[Katnye]

Ours was out for the entire night. We were orginally told that they take it down after about 2 hours because, by that time, people are eating cake, it may get messy, and people may let their cocktails influence their decisions! It ended up staying out all night-- guests were still enjoying it, it wasn't messy, and no one did anything stupid with it!

Ours was right next to the bar. I think it helped becuase the bartender could keep an eye on it and guests could grab a plateful on their way to the bar/back to their seats!

During one of our meetings with the reception hall, they said that, at a previous wedding, the fountain had to be removed immediately and a new one brought out. Apparently the bride stuck her tongue in the chocolate! :laugh3:

[JerAndKathy]

Apparently the bride stuck her tongue in the chocolate! :laugh3:

Good thing the groom didn't stick something else in the second one! :rofl:

[rowanmayfairs]

we want one and where is what we WANT to do :)

We are going to purchase one from walmart (about $40)
Maybe provide some fruit to dip with

After the wedding, tear down, clean up and resell ;)

[JerAndKathy]

We are going to purchase one from walmart (about $40)

Good luck getting it to work. :) I've heard some horror stories, and from what I've heard...I wouldn't attempt it myself. :-S

[Noelle]

I was at a wedding in March and they'd purchased one from like wal-mart, and then just had fruit, angel food cake, etc. to dip in it and it seemed to work out great -- I'm not sure how much they had to clean up afterwards, but as a guest it seemd okay!

[septbride]

I'd prefer an attendant to worry about all of that :)

[Sk8ermaiden]

I was just at a wedding and it was a huge hit! Everywhere I've been where they've had one there's been a crazy line. People loves their chocolate!

Just a tip for anyone doing it themselves...make sure you get a proper recipe for fountain chocolate. Our friends DIYed and just melted some chocolate and put a lil kaula in and it tasted great but looked disgusting. Instead of "flowing" it "GLOP, GLOP, GLOPPED." People still ate it, but it was not appetizing to look at!!

[MemphisMom]

The Wal-Mart ones work fine for a smaller group (up to 75 or 100) BUT, the chocolate has to be cooked in advance on a double boiler carefully following ingredients and instructions. You WILL need someone to do this for you and then transfer the chocolate right away to the fountain and get it running. If it's done right, it works beautifully but be sure that you have someone in place to take care of it and clean it up for you. Tell a good friend that they can lick the bowl at the end and you'll have a volunteer!

I have been to parties with these (big/professional) and small (do it yourself) and they are always a big hit!

[Angela]

Tom's cousin had one at her wedding, and it was a huge hit. He really, REALLY wants one, but it's just not in the budget. My sister is going to get him the tiny one from Walmart as a surprise for him. I really wish she wouldn't, but I have no control over what she does!!!

[lmhcmm]

We bought a chocolate fountain from Bed, Bath & Beyond for our New Year's Eve party last year. :heee: It's also been to a Super Bowl party and several other functions. Melting the chocolate is easy!!!! You just throw it in the microwave with some oil and voila!!! Free flowing chocolate. Ours also came with a recipe book for including alcohol or other flavors. So so so simple to clean up!!! It comes apart and the non-motorized part can go in the dishwasher. :)

All that said, we are not having one at our reception. :)

[septbride]

Well I have decided to go with one! Called the guy back and booked our date :jump4joy:

[serda23]

My MOH and her mom bought one at Walmart (or something like that) for my bridal shower and it worked great, so I think you're going to be fine Rmenda. Make sure you follow the instructions on melting the chocolate before you put it in the fountain though, or it could be a rough time! (P.S. The shortbread cookies were excellent dipped in chocolate... Think about it. :))